Nielsen Media Acquires Digsound License Agreement

Press Release: Digsound announced yesterday that its exclusive licensing agreement with Audio Audit for the local TV and cable broadcast markets has been assigned to Nielsen Media Research, an operating unit of VNU. "This is a big step for broadcast music," said Paul Martin, President and CEO of Digsound. "Watermarking technology is moving to the forefront in this industry and the acquisition of Audio Audit by Nielsen confirms its stability and reliability.

The company provides watermarking, verification and music services to the broadcast music industries and has developed a new platform (VR24/7) to help broadcasters, advertisers, publishers and composers streamline the processes of music licensing, reporting and the payment of a performance. According to their website, "Digsound's software suite cuts the costs of distribution, production and licensing of production music and also allows music providers an online interface enabling more efficient methods for reporting and monitoring content usage. In addition, VR24/7 will provide broadcasters and content providers who currently use outdated industry procedures the ability to automate and manage this process."

According to Kevin Demeritt, Interim COO and VP of Marketing, "Watermarking and verification of an airplay levels the playing field for music providers and with the addition of Nielsen Media Research products we can expand the value of our offering to the broadcaster... "The additional value the watermarking service adds for the broadcaster once the data is manipulated changes the landscape of simply licensing music."